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Sailing Into Boston Harbor Aboard the Coast Guard Barque Eagle

Sometimes, I have to pinch myself that I make a living chasing New England stories. When I had the chance to sail into Boston Harbor aboard the Coast Guard tall ship Eagle, I had to pinch myself even harder than usual! Boston Harborfest and OpSail 2012 brought the Eagle, along with majestic tall ships from around the world, into Boston Harbor. This video from the Parade of Sail on June 30 , 2012, captures the experience of sailing aboard Eagle.

More About the Coast Guard Barque Eagle

The majestic, 295-foot tall ship Eagle, built in 1936, is a three-masted vessel used for training Coast Guard Academy cadets. It is the only sailing ship in America actively commissioned for maritime service. Operation of the Eagle requires a crew of nearly 200 cadets and instructors. Required stints aboard the historic ship test cadets' strength, sea smarts and endurance while teaching them important lessons in teamwork.

See the Tall Ships in 2012

OpSail 2012 Boston runs through July 5, 2012. The US Coast Guard Barque Eagle is open for tours at the Charlestown Navy Yard, and other international ships are moored at the Fish Pier, directly across from the Seaport Hotel, which proved to be the perfect home base for my adventure.

Missed the tall ships in Boston? You'll have one last opportunity to experience OpSail 2012. Eagle and several other tall ships will sail next to New London, Connecticut, from July 6-9, 2012. OpSail 2012CT, which is being held in conjunction with Sailfest, features not only tall ship tours but food, musical entertainment and fireworks.

The Coast Guard tall ship is an amazingly intricate training vessel that has long been a proving ground for Coast Guard Academy cadets, who are required to do several tours aboard. Sailing Eagle requires not only know-how but teamwork. After New London, the public will have additional opportunities to see the Coast Guard Barque Eagle, during New England appearances in Portland, Maine, and Newport, Rhode Island, before the ship returns home to New London.